Greetings, It has been wonderful in the last week to have a shift in focus towards the sporting prowess of nations as we have been watching the Olympic Games.  Whether it was enjoying the opening ceremony, hearing the stories of athletes  who have given us so much to compete and their families who have supported…

Greetings, Sensing that many of us might be feeling a little despondent with the extension of lockdown, it is a timely reminder that we are not alone at this time.  As some things are changing too fast (and others not fast enough) we would do well to recall the words of the psalmist who reminds…

Greetings, In my reading this week I came across a poem called God Is A Verb written by Wild Bill Balding.  This verse expresses the way we can try to limit God by names or spaces or traditions but despite all our attempts, God will not be contained.  I’d like to share it with you.…

Greetings, I have been thinking a little about connections this week and how two things that seem totally unrelated can set your mind to pondering.  As a focus of NAIDOC week, Channel 10 news has been using traditional names for capital cities in their weather segments.   As I have looked at their weather maps this…

Greetings, July is Black History Month in Australia, a month which aims to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, heritage and cultures.  It seeks to acknowledge and celebrate First Australians’ achievements and contributions.  Black History Month commences with NAIDOC week. The theme for NAIDOC 2021 is “Heal Country!”  According to www.naidoc.org.au this calls for…

Greetings, On June 22 the Uniting Church celebrated its 44th Anniversary. An anniversary is one of those times when we give thanks for what is past, reflect on the present and look to the future.  As a church, for us this includes being reminded of the participation of God in our journey to this point…

Greetings, I’m not sure how you celebrated the Queen’s Birthday holiday on Monday … maybe searching the Honours List or sitting back with a cuppa reading a good book or watching a favourite program.  As Tony had the day off we decided to have a family drive into the Dandenong Ranges (of course only travelling…

Greetings, I have been conscious in recent conversations of people remembering what it was like when they could … I came across the following reflection which speaks into this so I thought I’d share it. The past is always brighter when viewed from the depths of the present.          Memories taken on a rose-tinted hue          when they…

Greetings I wonder if any of you own an old family Bible?  It might be that it is a fairly new edition, a wedding gift, or it might be one of those old heavy volumes, a prized position which has been passed down through the generations.  We have two in our house – one from…

Greetings … You are welcome – I am welcomeWe are welcome to be Jesus’ friend The invitation of the Triune God (creator, liberator and comforter) is addressed to each of us, and is highlighted in these words which form the chorus of You are Welcome by Snack Music.  This invitation is one of welcome, and…